Tucked away on the grounds of an old knife factory, the What Cheer Flower Farm is sowing not just flowers but fostering a sense of community and a profound appreciation for nature.
Erin Achenbach, the Director of Programming and Land Management at What Cheer, spoke about the farm’s origins and its recent expansion, noting the overarching objective of this nonprofit organization goes beyond simply sharing flowers and spreading joy.
While at its core, the mission remains rooted in bringing joy through blooms, the vision extends far beyond. Achenbach elucidates, “We are really looking at this as the opportunity to facilitate something so much larger.”
Achenbach perceives that the farm, located on Magnolia Street, fulfills a crucial need within the community, bridging the gap between urban life and the natural world. She underlines the intention to bring about positive environmental changes in the community, especially in countering the heat desert effect that plagues urban areas. She also emphasizes the significance of reinstating access to green spaces that the neighborhood has long been deprived of.
A pivotal aspect of What Cheer’s approach is its openness to collaboration. Achenbach passionately aspires to say “yes” to anyone reaching out with a request or an idea. The goal is to offer a welcoming space to all who require it.
During a tour of the farm, Achenbach shared the story of a woman who approached them with a proposal to host a yellow tulip project to raise awareness about mental health. Thousands of yellow tulips are expected to grace the farm next spring as a symbol of this effort.
The farm’s unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being and its tireless efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Recently, it received recognition from Reader’s Digest, earning the title of one of “The Nicest Places in America” for 2023.
The future holds ambitious plans for the What Cheer Flower Farm. In July, it was awarded a substantial $500,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, part of its nationwide brownfields program aimed at revitalizing contaminated sites.
While some parts of the property may appear barren now, the farm envisions a transformation in the landscape. Achenbach, when asked about the farm’s vision for the next five years, paints a vivid picture: “I see an absolute sea of abundant life and growth in flowers and the community here on the site.”
In the interim, the farm remains steadfast in its mission to spread joy and comfort to those in need. Erin Achenbach aptly summarizes the essence of the farm’s work: “You can’t help but be positively affected when you’re in the presence of something as beautiful as a flower… A moment of lightness and joy in a potentially difficult time.”
